In the newly released film Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, audiences are reintroduced to Saruman; however, they should not anticipate an appearance from Gandalf. While Gandalf is referenced as the narrative unfolds, his absence is pivotal to the story’s development.
War of the Rohirrim is set over 180 years prior to the events depicted in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. This film shifts focus away from the One Ring and Sauron, instead unraveling a significant tale from the Third Age, which lays the groundwork for future events.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Helm Hammerhand
The narrative centers on Hera, the daughter of Helm Hammerhand, Rohan’s ninth king, after whom the famous Helm’s Deep is named. The story ignites when Helm inadvertently slays a Dunlending lord during an altercation, which compels the lord’s son, Wulf, to vow vengeance. This act sets in motion a war that ultimately shapes a new lineage of kings.
The Significance of Gandalf’s Name Drop
The film concludes with Hera embarking on a journey to seek out Gandalf, who wishes to discuss the troubling events she witnessed at Helm’s Deep. This includes the ominous sight of Orcs collecting rings destined for Mordor. Given that Hera is a character not heavily rooted in Tolkien’s works—she is even unnamed in the texts—this moment opens up intriguing possibilities for her role in the unfolding lore of Middle-earth.
One of the film’s creators articulated their intent: “At this stage, we don’t have plans to make him appear in future movies,” they noted. “But even just mentioning Gandalf and including his letter was a crucial nod to the interconnectivity of the cinematic world established by the trilogy. Having Saruman in this film reinforces that connection, especially with those Orcs searching for rings.”
Philippa Boyens, a prominent writer from the original trilogy, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The inclusion of Gandalf’s name was meant to subtly integrate the original films into the narrative of this story, thereby creating a sense of continuity with Lord of the Rings.” She emphasized the need to explore the storyline of the rings while also giving Hera a clear direction in her journey.
Future Possibilities for Middle-earth
When prompted about the potential recasting of Aragorn in upcoming adaptations, Boyens hinted at ongoing discussions about rights and future endeavors, revealing her strong desire to adapt a specific Lord of the Rings book. This suggests that the cinematic universe of Middle-earth may continue to expand, providing more tales for fans to cherish.
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